The Eureka City Council just affirmed City Manager Dave Tyson's abrupt dismissal of former EPD Chief Garr Nielsen.

The vote taken in closed session was 4-1, with Councilmember Linda Atkins dissenting. The council also voted unanimously to appoint department veteran Murl Harpham as interim chief.

Prior to the closed session, there was a chance for public comment.

About 100 people gathered in Eureka City Hall chambers for the emergency meeting called yesterday. Somewhere over 30 spoke, with about three-quarters of those expressing support for Nielsen and/or calling for the removal of City Manager Dave Tyson.